Versace and M.I.A. Collaborate on Capsule Collection Based on "Bootleg Versace"

English rapper is pairing with the fashion house for a new Versus capsule collection inspired by counterfeit designs for the brand

By Nicole Adlman Oct 07, 2013 7:30 PMTags
M.I.A.Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty Images

Talk about knockoff chic.

British-Sri Lankan artist MIA is collaborating with Versus Versace to launch a street-inspired capsule collection, as confirmed to Women's Wear Daily.

The 19-piece collection will be based on bootleg versions of Versace's well-known prints—meaning a riff on the iconic Medusa head, Greek key, and medallions riffs that are found in London street markets.

"The theme of counterfeits, of those that produce and sell them has always been part of the culture of M.I.A.," the singer told WWD of the quixotic design inspiration. "When I was contacted by Versace, it seemed a great idea to invert the circle. Versace's designs have always been copied, now it's Versace that copies the copies, so those that copy must copy the copies. So this will continue."

And what does house honcho Donatella Versace think of the line's nod to fashion's cyclical nature? She loves it, for one.

"I adore the energy of the street, so when M.I.A. proposed to expose the issue of counterfeit Versace pieces by creating a collaboration inspired by these items, I thought it was an incredible idea," Donatella said. "The collection represents all that I love of the new Versus Versace: it's fast, it's noisy, it's brazen and it blends the world of music with that of fashion. I can't wait to see it worn."

The collaboration features designs for men and women, including casual separates, jersey dresses and military-inspired outerwear. M.I.A. x Versus Versace will hit stores on Oct. 16.